level 7 Maths - extra test for A level

[lloydjam]

HI

Just asking for opinions on the following. My DD school is saying that those who had a level 7 at maths GCSE will also need to pass an additional test in order to take A level maths. I think this is overkill as surely she has demonstrated an ability to study this further ?.

What does everyone else think about this? thoughts appreciated.

Thanks everyone - it seems that there is still a bit of difference around the country on this. Also just to add the extra test doesn't always indicate a child is able - my oldest daughter got an A star at maths GCSE, passed an additional test and went on to get an E at A level.

I think some of these high requirements are a way for schools to make their A level results look good, whilst keeping quiet to prospective parents the amount of weeding out that goes on post y11.

lloydjam. I think you have highlighted the problem. Children have to be confident about maths and the teaching they will
receive. It's no good shoving everyone down the maths route if it is not for them. My DD would have been accepted into the maths course but she wasn't confident and knew she was stronger in MFL/Humanities. Yes, we need maths teachers but I guess ones with an E won't be on the Maths degree courses. You have to be comfortable on the course, be motivated to work, have talent and not play catch up all the time because others are much better than you. Do not just follow the advice of cheerleaders for the STEM subjects. Not everyone is cut out for STEM.

It is a selective school - yiu need equivalent of 7As and a B to get in.

Igcse Maths this year - cohort of 179 had 141 A* and 34 A s 3Bs and 1C.

They have a very high percentage doing Maths and Science. Obviously it is very competitive but the local highly rated state 6th Form also requires A*s for maths and sciences too.

A level results need to be good because when Ofsted come, a school that has students with a string of Ds and Es at A level will be roundly criticised. They will say the students have been failed, the teaching was not good enough and the students made no progress. They will fail the 6th form. If you accept A level results are a selection tool for university, then Ds and Es get the students nowhere. BTecs would have been better than very low grades at A level.

local highly rated state 6th Form also requires A*s for maths and sciences too

I bet they're highly rated because they get such good results.

Students with A grades at GCSE are not doomed to get Ds and Es at A-level. If they are, then the teaching is crap.

The 6th form college that ds is going to let you do A level maths with a 6, but you have to go on a four day algebra course before term starts.